Regarding the notion of fire safety in the workplace, fire signs are an essential part of this.
These signs guide people to safety should a blaze occur, after all. They also point to where fire-fighting equipment such as extinguishers and safety blankets can be found. So important are they that the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 legislation insists certain signs are a legal requirement for commercial premises.
Legal requirement for commercial premises
So, what are these signs, and how should they be displayed? Read on to find out:
Fire Action Notice - An essential sign for all work and commercial premises these days. The Fire Action Notice outlines what staff and others should do in the event of a fire in the building. This includes informing them to sound the alarm, leave and meet at an assembly point.
If the building is small and the exit clear, then a Fire Exit sign may not be necessary
Fire Exit Signs - If the building is small and the exit clear, then a Fire Exit sign may not be necessary. In larger premises, these should indicate the quickest way out of the building – especially if it's a commercial premises with visitors who are not necessarily familiar with the layout (such as a retail unit or nightclub).
Common piece of equipment
Fire Equipment Signs - These indicate where fire-fighting equipment is located. A fire extinguisher is the most common piece of equipment and should have printed instructions on it informing the user how to use it. The most common way is via the acronym PASS, i.e. Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep. Other fire equipment, such as fire blankets, hoses etc., should also have signs indicating where to find the equipment.
Another vital sign in the fire fighter’s arsenal is the Fire Alarm notice, i.e. indicating where this can be found in the building so that others can be alerted to the danger. The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations state, “Every employer shall ensure that each employee receives suitable and sufficient instruction and training in the meaning of safety signs.”
Fire Assembly Point sign
Their closed status is essential for slowing fire and smoke spreading throughout the building
Fire Assembly Point - The Fire Assembly Point sign indicates where people who have left the building should congregate so they can be counted. This allows whoever is in charge to work out if there are any staff remaining in the building. The sign – and location – should be far enough from the building to safeguard everyone standing there.
Fire Doors - Doors that must remain closed at all times – regardless of how hot it is outside – will have a Fire Door sign clearly visible. Their closed status is essential for slowing fire and smoke spreading throughout the building.
How signs should be positioned
To ensure signs are displayed in the best place possible, it's a good idea to have them professionally installed. They will familiarize themselves with the layout of the premises and any fire risks it may contain.
Those working in – or visiting the building – should be able to see the signs clearly, i.e. they shouldn't be obscured by promotional posters, sale displays etc. Even if employees are familiar with the exit or location of a fire alarm, visitors will not be. Regulations for the Fire Safety Act 2021 have changed recently, meaning the premises may no longer be fire-compliant. In order to ensure users have the most up-to-date fire safety advice and help, call the team here at FireRite for advice.
